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In-N-Out Animal Style Fries

In-N-Out Animal Style Fries
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Crispy golden fries topped with melty American cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy special sauce. This copycat recipe captures the iconic flavor of the fast-food favorite, perfect for game day or a indulgent snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes (about 2 lb / 900 g), scrubbed and cut into 1/4-inch thick fries
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1 large yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for onions)
  • 2 slices American cheese (or 1/2 cup shredded cheddar)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the potato fries with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt until evenly coated. Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping for maximum crispiness.
  3. Bake the fries for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through with a spatula. The fries should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a tender interior. For extra crispiness, increase oven to 450°F (232°C) for the last 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  4. While the fries bake, prepare the caramelized onions. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. When the butter foams and stops sizzling, add the sliced onion and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
  5. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes, until they are deeply golden and soft. Reduce heat to medium-low if they brown too quickly. The onions should smell sweet and nutty, not burnt.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, granulated sugar, and paprika. Stir until smooth and set aside. This special sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 1 week.
  7. Once the fries are done, immediately transfer them to a serving platter or four individual plates. While still hot, arrange the cheese slices evenly over the fries. The residual heat will melt the cheese. If needed, place under the broiler for 30 seconds to fully melt.
  8. Spoon the caramelized onions evenly over the melted cheese, followed by a generous drizzle of the special sauce. Serve immediately while the fries are hot and the cheese is gooey.
  9. Optional: For an extra indulgent finish, sprinkle with additional kosher salt to taste and a pinch of paprika for color.

Notes

Store leftover fries (without sauce) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce can be stored separately for up to 1 week. To reheat, spread fries on a baking sheet and warm at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy. Do not microwave as fries will become soggy. For best results, consume freshly made.

Nutrition

Keywords: animal style fries, In-N-Out copycat, loaded fries, cheese fries, caramelized onions, special sauce, baked fries, American snack, fast food recipe, game day appetizer

Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/in-n-out-animal-style-fries/